Brian O’Connell

Brian O’Connell has been running with Togher AC for the last 3 years and we caught up with him to chat all things running.

When/how/why did you take up running? 
I ran in my teens in Ennis and was one of the first members of Ennis Track AC when it was newly set up in the late 80s/early90s. I played golf for many years but after doing a 5k with my sister in February 2019, I decided to take up running again, beginning with the Cork Half Marathon that June and then Dublin in October 2019. I met some great people at a wedding who were into running and they were a big help starting out. 

When and why did you join Togher AC? 
I didn’t hugely enjoy solo running, and wanted also the structure and coaching of a club. I also wanted to try and minimise injuries so felt being part of a club would give me the best chance of increasing my fitness in a sustainable way. I’ve been a member almost three years now and it has made a huge difference to my running. 

What is/are your preferred distance/s? 
When I was younger, middle distance running and cross country were my preferences. I have a marathon time in mind now and I’d like to hit that target in 2022. I don’t have many races in my legs over the years, so maybe I’ll land on a distance that suits me better as I race more. 

What is/are your PB/s? 
I’ve done two marathons. The first one was Dublin in 2019 and I finished in just over 4 hours. I’d only been running 8 months at that point. The second was recently in Belfast and while it was a tougher day out than I expected, I managed to take 23 minutes off my PB. I recently dipped under 19 mins for a 5k, which means I have taken 9 minutes off my 5k time in two and a half years, thanks to great coaching by Frank Doherty, Tony Kelleher and Aidan Hartnett, so hopefully the signs are good for continued improvement!

What is your proudest running moment? 
It’s not so much races, but last weekend, with two other Togher AC members, we had a really good 20-mile run on Sunday in Blackrock. It was a great feeling at the end, knowing that all the hours of training are definitely paying off.  In a sadistic way, I’m enjoying the brutality of training a lot!

Who is/are your coach/es? 
I’m very lucky to have two fantastic, committed and enthusiastic coaches in Tony Kelleher and Aidan Hartnett. Frank Doherty did a lot of the ground work before them and both Tony and Aidan have really taken on the baton. The litmus test was a few Sundays ago when five of us got PBs during the Bweeng 5k and both coaches turned up on a Sunday morning to lend their support…. and shout at us! 

What is your main running goal for the next 12 months? 
I’d like to hit my age category qualifying marathon time at some point in the coming 2 years. At this point, I’m not ruling out Paris 2024 either….. 

What is your most memorable race/running moment and why? 
It would have to be finishing the Dublin Marathon in 2019. I have participated in a lot of sports over the years, and played some to a competitive level, but the sheer emotion of finishing my first marathon really took me by surprise. An amazing feeling.  

What do you like most about Togher AC? 
The homemade cookies after our long runs of course! There is just incredible support from club members and coaching staff, and it has meant I suddenly have this growing circle of people to run with any day of the week. 

What would you say to someone thinking of taking up running? 
Get some good runners, build it up incrementally and don’t give up!! 

What is your favourite food? 
Kale high protein shakes with added chia seeds…… Only joking, I spent some time in Beirut and the Lebanese I had there was the best I’ve ever tasted.  

 What is your favourite drink? 
I haven’t drank alcohol in 17 years, but recently I’ve taking a liking to the alcohol-free beers that are available now. There are some great options on the market and many starting to be available on draught too. Sobriety is the new rock ‘n’ roll…. 

What is your favourite film? 
Glengarry Glen Ross